Johnson endorses Donalds in Florida governor race while DeSantis keeps distance

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) in Florida‘s 2026 gubernatorial race, giving him a major boost in what appears set to be a crowded primary.

Donalds’s campaign has enjoyed a flood of donations since he announced his candidacy in late February, setting him up as a leading contender. Johnson’s endorsement gives him the backing of the most powerful man in Congress.